Opioids include prescription painkillers such as oxycodone, fentanyl and morphine, as well as illegal street drugs like heroin.

Part of the problem is that some opioids play a legitimate role in responding to people with pain conditions.

“People need to have access to these effective medications where used appropriately, but there is tremendous risk potential,” Philpott said earlier this year. “People do become addicted to them and people die.”